Honda XR650L Adventure Bike Build

[@rmatvmc]

Honda XR650L Bike Build Parts & Accessories: rmatvmc.link/honda-xr650l-bike-build

[@bengreen1174]

The xr650r was built for the Baja 1000 not the XR650L I have the 650r that was the Johnny Campbell bike yes they are very nice bikes cuz they don't have radiators but they not got the power that the 650r has or the aluminum frame

[@jesseg8920]

I like the simplicity of the bike not having a radiator and just being simple for more survivability. I think I want to build one just like this.

[@mohba01]

the most badass bike... Have one here in India, I think the Air cooled, Carburetored, steel framed, 'lightweight' and easy to self-service/repair adventure bike is a dying breed. Lots might disagree, But.. Lets say, someone wants to do a 5 year RTW and doesn't want to ride a bike that they don't have to plug in every few months to keep running or needs a NASA qualified technician to diagnose; or spend ridiculous amounts of cash on parts, then it's these bikes they will be looking to. Back in the days, being a motorcycle traveler used to be about using your creativity to take a basket case old hag and using only grit and ingenuity, turning it into a "one of a kind eye dazzler", then risking your life on the asphalt on a bike you made yourself out of pride... You can do this still with the XR series. This bike is a time capsule! once the CDI is swapped with an Ignitech one, and oil cooler installed, there is no stopping the PIG...

[@neildawson8603]

Awesome take on bike ownership. I've learned a lot about wrenching and get a sense of satisfaction when completing projects, repairs, and even regular maintenance.

[@ajbikerr]

Do you have the DR??? In India???

[@kiwisalentino2989]

@Alinel Woundhorn Totally agree with you Man. Awesome bike but inexplicably not available in Italy.

[@wolfgt12]

agreed friend. I have a drz, almost exactly like you described

[@mohba01]

@@ajbikerr yes. I am a proud owner of a 2002 xr650l and the pd10 xl600v from 1996, in Madras,. India

[@dwayneharris3874]

Wow! Your bike is a custom model based on an XR650L. I had no idea so many custom parts were available for the bike. You had a clear idea what you wanted and made the bike to work for you. Well done!

[@scottshort6419]

Dude, its an ad

[@illhaveanother4365]

@@scottshort6419 doooood

[@marcosolo810]

Funny, I bought a 2017 XR about two months ago, put on an Acerbis 5.8 gal. tank, racks, subframe supports, and bags, and did 1400 miles of CDR - Montana/Wyoming. I then rode 1350 miles of two lane back-roads home with everything else bone stock. The stock pegs did not hurt my feet, my stock battery did not fail, my stock lighting was more than adequate, the stock bars worked fine and neither my turn signals nor my mirrors were damaged. The mentality that all of this is something we have to do to make the bike work properly is silliness. Yes, some of these changes would improve the bike's cosmetics or comfort, but functionality is not really affected. This is just trying to make a silk purse out of a perfectly good pig's ear.

[@claysavage8047]

Well said! I've always felt the same way.. I live in Alaska and I constantly see guys on decked out $20,000 BMWs that seem so serious, I wonder if they're even having fun. Meanwhile, I'm having a blast on a nearly stock KLR that I got for 2k. I bet the BMWs sure are comfortable though! ;)

[@marcosolo810]

Thanks - I've got a Beemer too. I've done the ALCAN/Cassiar six times and when I lived in Homer for seven years I had a Harley. I don't begrudge people's accessorizing their rides in whatever way it pleases them, but a vendor telling people that the bike they bought is substandard unless they buy these products is what gets me. The XR650L is a well thought-out bike as is. I did put on an aftermarket front sprocket to keep the countershaft splines from getting eaten up prematurely. I just ordered a Sutton oil cooler to increase engine life and a bash plate to keep it from getting tattooed by rocks, but unless something else bends or breaks, that's about it.

[@AZdirtdog]

And you grooved your stock counter shaft with your stock counter shaft sprocket.

[@Makelifehappennow]

With you 100%. My XR650L Seat is just fine. Upgraded the headlights with a $50 kit from Ebay which works just great. Everything else on the bike is bulletproof. I have a GS1200, but it's 90% street, 10% off road. My XR650L if 50-50 and does it all. Easy to maintain. Sturdy. Fun to ride. The mirrors are great. Added a 5.8Gallon tank. the footpegs are fine. This bike will last for decades. Can't go wrong with an XR650L.

[@slimjim7411]

​@@AZdirtdog Yup known problem with this bike, and should definitely be upgraded first chance.

[@MichaelAbramo]

Highly recommend the USD fork conversion. Major upgrade for this bike. The seat concepts seat, because it is wider in the back, gives you better grip for your knees during standup riding. Shoutout to DirtBikeAfrica, they're doing a lot of good work for the XR650L. I have their "Adventure Kit" which gives you a rally tower and fairing as well as an oil cooler.

[@ronntice7562]

USD forks!! After some 'modification' I bolted the complete front end of a Husaberg 501 to my big XR (its a Hondaberg). From the Magura bars down to the Excel front wheel NOT skipping the 48mm WP fork. GET RID of the OEM forks for any decent 450 MX bike, FULLY ADJUSTABLE USD, forks. You'll be glad you did!

[@borkfork3163]

Really appreciate this. I won't do all these mods but it's still helpful to see them.

[@lenwenzel7440]

Now that's a bike build to be proud of.

[@tahirusman5929]

Great stuff!650L rider here across the globe in Pakistan

[@bjj685]

Honda XR 650 L = The queen of the Baja 1000 is the best bike for any adventure, and this one in the video is a beast !! congrats for the modifications and thanks for sharing. Awesome ride.

[@tonyrichengod9280]

These bikes are MAD! I just got a chance to test one yesterday and WOW! Freakin punchy thing! Roll on and INSTANT torque! Thinking of it as my next tourer after my romance with my DRZ is over.

[@basedury]

I think the huge OEM fender actually looks awesome, along with the stock small square headlight.

[@desert4seat]

Great video! You’ve got it dialed. The only thing you missed is a fork brace. You’d be surprised at how much those things flex.

[@SarupSingh-mc5gk]

One of the best builds i have come across...gonna consider this for my 2018 xr650l

[@socaladventuresdavidt2557]

2017 XR650L. All I need is re jetting, 4.7 gallon tank and jns lights and auxiliary light mount. Oh and bar buster lever saver things.

[@socaladventuresdavidt2557]

Would you rather have XR650L o'r KTM 690R enduro both bought same time both 2017 KTM has barkbusters XR650L just needs tank&re jetting

[@ArizonaAdv]

Love the XR mine is set up for adventure riding also . I'm 6ft 3 it goes anywhere I want and still light enough .Mine was lowered front and rear I wasn't sure being tall that was going to work but it actually did only 1inch but wow it put weight down lower. It handles way better. I've been riding Xr's since 1984 XR250r .For the money they cost and to upgrade .You can't beat them. Great Vid ""RIDE ON""

[@robertatwater8818]

Absolutely love this bike. Great set up. Be the way I would want mine. Totally awesome!!

[@telcobilly]

Fantastic review and narration. Very detailed and comprehensive. Makes me want to run out and get a XR650L and do it up like yours. I've had a '93/'03 DR 650s in the past and rode my brother's XR650L. Very tall bike, so it's a good thing I'm 6'3"..

[@orangelion03]

Excellent build! Ticked off all the boxes! My old 93 is about 75% there. You didnt mention it, but it is obvious that those hand guards have built in turn signals...an excellent way to get rid of the front OEM signals (you have to relocate them anyway if you use the big Accerbis tank). I used LED tape on mine, but this is a cleaner, tidier way to do it.

[@llshamelessll]

Add a fork brace and an oil cooler too. Im glad I now run a denso iridium plug too. Run 1 range colder tho.

[@cullennowell7813]

but why?

[@toddgardner3088]

I'm with you on all of this stuff... I have one question though... if you had it to do again, would you stay with the standard Seat Concepts seat or would you go with the lower option that is 1" less than stock given the high seat height of the XR650L? I'm 6'-0" and the stock height is fine until you get into some serious trail systems... I can almost flat foot the bike on level ground, but I'm wondering how the bike would feel with a lower seat height.

[@voltagemedia7344]

Awesome in-depth but super straight forward breakdown, good job! Would love to know what you paid for the bike and what all the described mods cost you.

[@angeloreyes357]

Thats a monster!! And honda xlr 200..love the 90s and 2000s xr models...

[@quegemo]

Thanks so much for doing this video. I plan to get this bike and I want to do most of the upgrades you did. This was very good on upgrades and review

[@Formerlywarmer]

Very nice build. I’d like to add a few of ur ideas to mine so thx for showing us what it’s all like in a package.

[@rmatvmc]

You're very welcome! What parts are you thinking about putting on your XR?

[@rickmuha4278]

You really kicked it up a notch! Fantastic job!

[@joelapplen852]

Thanks for adding them all in the description. I just bought an 2003 and will probably do some of the same mods to it.

[@stuartbrock7586]

How much did all that stuff cost? How much better is the new suspension? Does anyone make a bigger beefier fork for the bike?

[@khaccanhle1930]

THAT my friends is a REAL adventure bike. I'd like to see these 1,200cc low-slung Highway hog "Adv" bikes compete off road with this thing. A real adventure bike is a dual sport with soft bags.

[@CenCaBORL_Explorers]

why arent you using the highland x2 rackless? on the xr? i bought the set for my vstrom, but after using them think they are better suited on the xr.. i have them mounted and they look great! on the XR650L cant wait to pack em up and hit the trail..

[@neon10net]

What do you think of the Honda NX650 Dominator with a few changes to make it more suitable for off-road use, such as a new front fender, different tires, a shorter gear ratio and weight savings by changing the fairing?

[@rmatvmc]

I think with just those upgrades you mentioned you'd be in pretty good shape.

[@neon10net]

@@rmatvmc Okay, thank you very much, I think so too, I just wanted to have a confirmation

[@SimplyFabLife]

Would this setup fit someone thats 5'10"? 178lbs. Seems like a pretty high bike!

[@CaptainLicorice]

Definitely should have done the gear box mods. Lots of work but worth it

[@spencer82rocks]

I used to race this bikes in the Philippines and I will buy another one to use here in Pacific Northwest 😀

[@bradymcphail9690]

Holy Smoke Chance, what is that about a 40k bike? I can appreciate everything on it for sure! I wonder, would everything fit on a XR650R? I'm entering back into riding after 40 years away. I'm deciding if I want to ride a XR650R or an L. Basically do I want and electric starter or do I want to Kickstart my bike. Can I get an electric starter for the R? I'm very smitten with the XR650R unless I can be persuaded the other way...

[@jakemcnally4868]

Great setup on a solid adventure bike option. Well Done!

[@mikecude4167]

Based on experience, run away from the foam air filters and stick with the paper ones...when I worked at a Honda motorcycle dealership, we had many many piston replacements due to sand and dust making it past the foam filter. It's not worth it.

[@thulsa5218]

Very true to all that, and I will add that the K&N type air filters are even worse than the foam filters at stop dirt and wreaking havoc on the cylinder.

[@socaladventuresdavidt2557]

Ya but u lose power and u can clean em. Or put paper on before a dusty ride.

[@_Bryant.R]

I tried the tank graphics on mine with the Acerbis 5.8 gallon tank. Unfortunately it didn't work very well. After it started bubbling (a few days after applying it) I did some research and it seems you need to apply it and let it set up when the tank is new. Last problem I've had was the Polisport fender cracking my first ride with a fender bag (Wolfman, carrying a standard front tube and two tire levers.) I ride my bike all week then ask it to either carve twisties or bomb trails on the weekends. The XR does it all pretty well for what it is! Mine only has 22,000 miles on it. I have a friend who has 60,000+ on his and I'm sure there are many more out there with much more than that. I'm looking forward trying your rear rack, the subframe brace was the selling point for me. Nice to see you guys putting out some new parts for these old girls!

[@gncc1race]

Good job Chance! On the build and the video. I've enjoyed the RMATVMC ADV bike builds, and had been waiting for this one. Wasn't disappointed...

[@rmatvmc]

Thanks *gncc1race* for watching! Glad to hear the wait was worth it.

[@drumsnbass]

My XR650L build; 2008 model Beefed up fork & rear shock springs Gold Valves all around TKC 80’s Sutton oil cooler Skid plate Magnetic drain bolt Primary Drive 15T front, 42T rear by Protaper JNS light plate Moose fender bag Foam air filter (TwinAir) Desmogged & rejetted Stock exhaust Subframe stays Side racks & top rack Rear disk fin protection LED aux lights (ADVmonster 60’s) Buckin’ roll tank bag by Giant loop Risers Hand guards Aux USB power Double take mirrors Windscreen Clarke 4.7 gal tank And... A Sherpax trailer by Kipmoto !!!

[@oakstream6041]

Super clean and most of all reliable. Gotta love it. :)

[@someone46018]

That's pretty much what I'm looking forward mine will look like.

[@rmatvmc]

It's a good look! Thanks for watching our build *Equinos al Volante Costa Rica!*

[@TheFixer-rq9tj]

Really nice build. Not much left of the stock bike though. Pretty much everything needs to be fixed except the frame and brakes. It is good to start the project on a used one to make sure you don't exceed the price of a more equipped stock adventure bike. Nice video guys.

[@shoechew]

Or you could just ride it.

[@bangun172]

ive had mine for 10 year never a problem ,,awesome power..all i did was buy a lowering link,,perfect

[@mjl8115]

I envy you that you have DR-Z400S or XR650L still available in the USA brand new. We have nothing like that in the EU because of emissions. Wanting DR-Z I had to buy 2007 last year and 2008 was the last year available in Europe. We never had XR650L in here. I really miss not so heavy dual sports / adventure enduros on the market so popular in the 80s 'n' 90s. For me T700 is to big and way too heavy and CRF450L too pro and service demanding especially when one want to travel. Great built BTW. I also upgraded my DR-Z400S by doing 3x3 mod, and installed Sargent XT seat for longer trips.

[@lanceg.8458]

Great video!! Lots of cool stuff. Don't forget to remove the header pipe first before you wrap it and grind the welds down on the flange. Some of these XR's have big globs of weld inhibiting the flow, others not too obvious. Mine were bad- short work for a die grinder tho and careful smoothing of the surface for un-obstructed flow. Does not yield huge horsepower gains but does help!!

[@rmatvmc]

Thanks for the tip *Lance G.!* We agree. Thanks for watching our ADV Bike Build video.

[@Thizlamic]

AWESOME RIG...you are giving me alot of inspiration on my personal set up!

[@robertkavanagh774]

Have u guys ever did a bike build on a klx250s .i own one was thinking about trying to make adv bike any suggestions

[@youtubeaccount5153]

Very well done video. Any bike owner looking to upgrade their bike is served well by this type of video. I am interested in the 650. But I am concerned about an air-cooled bike in the deep South. Is this bike designed to handle low speed, high rev.s, in 95 degree weather? How will it do in stop and go traffic for an hour on 120 degree road surfaces? Will it stand up to 6 hours of riding in 95 degrees? Better yet, two hours of riding, 30 minutes of break, then two mores hours of riding? Those are the conditions it will be ridden in.

[@OURBMWTEAM]

you are grate doing this build am from united Arab emirate's id like to have one of these bikes with a complete upgrading how much you think it will cost me in total

[@jaredshannaleehuber6791]

Are you able to keep stickers on your plastic tank? And if so-what did you do?

[@michaelbarnes7086]

Great video!! The decal you put on your acerbis 5.8gal tank. Was it difficult applying without wrinkles? If you could. Give me part number for the decal you run please. Thanks for your time

[@rmatvmc]

If you take your time it's not bad! We currently have another set of graphics available on our website you can check out here: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/attack-graphics-renegade-radiator-shroud-decal-p If you want the specific ones in this video, you can email [e-mail] and let know you're looking to get the tank graphics used in this video and they should be able to get some made up for you.

[@tex24]

Great video and a very nice build. The bike looks awesome. I got rid of my 650L a few years ago. I mostly went riding by myself and wasn't comfortable with the thought of lying wounded in some remote area for days until someone found me. I also didn't feel comfortable riding it at highway speeds (60mph+) with 18-wheelers flying by me. I found the upright riding position to be very tiring at high speeds. And it didn't help that my a$$ hurt like crazy after 30 minutes on the bike. Miss the bike though. Looking at your build makes me want to get another bike.

[@miguelmiranda9122]

Well done buddy! Nice job on the bike and nice riding. Very well thought out upgrades.

[@craigsteinman9807]

I need one of those foam filters does the filter come with a cage?if not do u sell one to go with the filter.i am assuming its just like a mx filter with separate cage and filter

[@rmatvmc]

We sell the cage by itself or the filter and the cage. Just be sure to enter the make and model of your bike to make sure you get the correct one. www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/adventure-air-filters?v=2016-honda-xr650l

[@warithabdullah8179]

Damn finally a bike for tall people!

[@wheresbrent]

How did you get your decals to stay on the tank? Every plastic tank I ever had off gases and delaminates/bubbles stickers from the tank..

[@rmatvmc]

*Brent Lawrence* Our Attack Graphics Tank Decals have perforation cuts in the graphics to help it breathe better and avoid getting that bubbled up look. Cleaning your fuel tank with some contact cleaner will also help the graphic stick better in the long run. Here is our How To Install Graphics video as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGrYgYOKoNaGhJY

[@garyketola2382]

just picked up a 97 xr 650. i want to upgrade to a lityium battery but a have heard that the charging system wont fully charge the battery.

[@tommaples9174]

Awesome machine, no oil cooler upgrade for hot desert Operations?

[@KurNorock]

Heidenau k60s are a much better adventure tire on this bike. They hooked up in the dirt better for me than the 606s did, they are smoother on road, better in the rain, and they last MUCH longer.

[@jeffreyw1970]

So how much did you have to shim the front fender as I ordered one and would love to know before it arrives ? Thanks

[@ZeezaAndNomadicJack]

Thanks! Great content. Picking up mine today.. 2022. Looking forward to added some items to it based on your input. Would enjoy an itemized list of the upgrades if possible. Or direct me to where you have it. Best to you, Cheers from AZ!!

[@adambradleylife]

All of your bike builds are awesome! Thanks guys!

[@boomer8393]

Excellent build, and equally well done video. You guys will get my business based on this no b/s video.

[@patriotsleepercell4060]

DR650 stock exhaust weighs 18lb guess how i know this? Just took mine off and replaced it with a FMF Q4

[@ichibangrom9735]

I have 2008 XR650L that I am ordering some upgrades for. I cant find the foam air filter on your site to fit my bike. There is no choice for Honda on the Drop Down list? Any ideas on that one? Thanks. Great job on your bike Bro

[@rmatvmc]

Sorry about that! This is the filter kit that you will need for your bike: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/twin-air-air-filter-kit-p?v=6723 Hope that helps!

[@Speedytrip]

That bike looks like a lot of fun, nice work!

[@Saundersstrong]

do you have a total cost of upgrades, curious about getting this bike and would like to know what id be spending to make it worthy!!

[@rmatvmc]

We don't have a total cost but if you click the first link in the description it will take you to a page with the parts we used on this build so you can get an idea of what things would cost. Here's the link: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/Sales/2418/Bike-Build-Honda-XR650L Hope that helps!

[@rogjackson]

No front blinkers or are they built into the grip guards? I like blinkers on a bike because you want other drivers to know what direction you intend to travel. CA requires fronts and rears.

[@rmatvmc]

This bike has the Tusk D-Flex Pro Adventure Handguards with built-in turn signals. There is a shot of them at 10:31 in this video where you can see the turn signal location. You can check out the Tusk D-Flex Pro Adventure Handguards w/Turn Signals here: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-d-flex-pro-adventure-handguards-w-turn-signals-p

[@MrGuitarguyadam]

How would the seat concepts seat work with a shorter rider? I saw on their website that they advertise it as 1” lower. I’m curious about this bike as someone who is 5’3” with a 30” I seem. I’ve seen that there is a 1.5” lowering dog one for the rear suspension as well as a lowering front fork spring kit available as well.

[@jessewerner2119]

Wow great build 👏

[@rmatvmc]

Glad you like it!

[@stevenlefebvre2991]

You did a great job on your bike. I have one also but it’s not tricked out as nice as yours.

[@strictlyJDM]

I miss my XR650L

[@hondaryder3779]

Great looking bike, i would like to test it against my Transalp 650Vtwin, with many mods. So if you ever tour 🇪🇺...

[@BaxtersBlades]

And now you have a $12,000 adventure bike

[@CoachSteve4u]

Exactly my thought!

[@mikegillaspy1721]

Only think still honda is the decal

[@alejandro1904]

A light, bulletproof and personalized adventure 12k bike. You can take this to Africa and will take u everywhere. Worth those 12k

[@BaxtersBlades]

Yes. I agree. If your going across Africa. Throw lots of money at it. If you have one bike. Throw money at it. I love that bike. And im a honda guy. I have 6. But its great stock. And im not going around the world.

[@Splintermill]

Totally agree Tiger. Awesome bike stock. Great thing is, it’s cheap enough even new, and you can take your time and mod it as time and money allows, cause it’s an XR 650L! They never die!👍🏻

[@mikeholthaus4481]

How did you mount the license plate bracket? Just bought mine from tusk and can’t figure out what the u shaped brackets are for.

[@JuanCruz-lv2gm]

No gpr or Scott that's the upgrade End some precision concepts for you my large friend

[@bullyboy585]

Did you replace the handlebars, or used a riser on the factory handlebars

[@sheltonwallace]

I’m pretty big guy, I weigh 285 lbs. what kind of suspension mods should I do?

[@socaladventuresdavidt2557]

What size jets did you/ y'all go with?

[@BRaff-hl4ip]

How close in specification is the XR compared to NX Dominator in percentage?

[@caboose365]

you could just buy a JT XR650R front sprocket. they are thicker and use up the whole spline on the countershaft and are superrrr cheap. they have the same countershaft spline pattern and slip right on.

[@csiautodetail]

how much money you have invested in upgrades?

[@tipofthespearrealtors]

What did you replace the front turn signals with?

[@Zeus33rd]

Are you guys doing the battle born ride this year? If so, and you are taking the same route as before, you gotta stop by Midas, Nevada. You guys were within 5 or 6 miles of here last year. I can show you guys around, some excellent possible alternate routes and scenery. Can offer a place to take a shower, fix your bikes and camp out if ya want. You can get a drink at the Midas Bighorn bar and see some pretty cool old mining stuff.

[@rmatvmc]

thanks. No plans right now. we are planning one into colorado in the next couple months....Justin

[@pmfilmsUK]

F A N T A S T I C . Great review.

[@patriotvet5569]

Nice bike. 1 billion dollars later. I’m torn between this and a DRZ400

[@chuckbowen4334]

I just bought a xr650l that someone modified..the took off the stock tail light. I reinstalled it because I found out that it's not legal to modify. I also removed the exhaust from two brothers. Bought a stock exhaust. Now the bike is street legal again. Cost of my meds 1400.00 and some change returning bike to stock.

[@edc7423]

Geez is there anything u like stock about the bike?

[@kBIT01]

No, they are in the business of selling parts.

[@mike87364]

how much did all of this cost?

[@paulreid3273]

Nice build can you post a list of all the stuff you put on the bike? Thanks

[@kpex7509]

I didn’t know they were electric would’ve old is the motor how many volts is it the one I used to have had an engine on it it runoff gasoline

[@mikecude4167]

I need to setup my xr600r this way.

[@aecarter1341]

XR 600 R California street legal desert racer baja champion adventure bike!! I say do it. Mine is a 1997, I love it.

[@dennismacwilliams196]

Great Video You gave everyone, good ideas... Thanks

[@Brandn43]

excellent video and we can also buy the parts that you use so i will save this video as i can afford to upgrade my bike

[@kenkl5204]

I want this bike..

[@hortenseplaceg9740]

Bro, please add a kickstarter!!! Soooo important!

[@randomtheater2159]

Could you do a crf450l build next?

[@kBIT01]

How much weight did you add to it with everything

[@eduardosampoia5480]

yes

[@FridaysTheBomb]

Mines still better ;)

[@SaltyRNFrank]

Lolol